Hyundai Ioniq, Kona Electric, Veloster launch dates detailed

Korean brand confirms timeframes for new models, with Ioniq family first cab off the rank in October.

Hyundai Australia has detailed its model rollout over for the coming months, including launch times for the new Ioniq, Veloster and Kona Electric.

Kicking off proceedings will be the three-strong Ioniq family (top), set to go on sale in hybrid, plug-in and electric guises from October.

Power in the Ioniq Hybrid comes from a 77kW/147Nm 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine mated to a 32kW/170Nm electric motor, making for system outputs of 104kW and 265Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, while a 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for short bursts of electric-only driving and helps reduce fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, the Ioniq Plug-in features the same petrol-electric drivetrain, though the larger 8.9kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows for up to 39 miles (63km) of zero-emissions driving on the European driving cycle – that figure could change for Australia.

The Ioniq Electric is the final member of the family, and features a 98kW/295Nm synchronous electric motor hooked up to a 28kWh lithium-ion battery, good for up to 280km of range.

Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch, though we’re expecting the base hybrid to start around the same mark as the rival Toyota Prius, which currently kicks off at $36,440 before on-road costs.

Next to lob Down Under will be the all-new Veloster (above), first revealed at this year’s Detroit motor show in January, due to launch during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Originally scheduled for a third-quarter release Down Under, the local Veloster line-up will include the base Veloster and mid-spec Veloster Turbo variants. The hi-po Veloster N, meanwhile, remains off the cards for Australia, remaining exclusive to the North American and Korean markets.

In terms of changes compared to the ageing current-generation model, the new Veloster has gone through a generational change similar to that of the current i30, meaning it’s underpinned by the company’s latest platform (also shared with the Kona crossover), and also bringing Hyundai’s latest infotainment and driver assistance systems.

Pricing and specifications are still to be confirmed, though expect 7.0- and 8.0-inch touchscreens with available navigation along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an overhauled cockpit, and the availability of Hyundai’s SmartSense technology suite – including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert amongst others.

The entry-level Veloster is powered by the Kona’s ‘Nu’ 110kW/179Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four overseas, and will likely serve as the base engine Down Under, too. A six-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed automatic also available as an option.

Stepping up to the Veloster Turbo brings the 1.6-litre turbo four from the i30 SR, boasting outputs of 150kW and 265Nm respectively. Again, a six-speed manual is standard, while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.

Last but not least is the Kona Electric (above), which is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms during the first quarter of 2019.

Australia will give priority to the long-range variant, which gets a larger 64kWh lithium-ion battery hooked up to a 150kW/395Nm electric motor.

Range is rated at up to 470 kilometres per charge, while the 0-100 sprint takes a claimed 7.4 seconds. Additionally, top speed is rated at 167km/h.

Apart from the obvious styling differences compared to combustion-powered versions, the Kona Electric uniquely offers adaptive cruise control with stop&go function, a model-specific dashboard and centre console layout, and a digital instrument cluster lifted from the Ioniq.

It’s unclear whether Hyundai Australia plans to offer the entry-level Kona Electric locally, which features a 99kW/365Nm electric motor and a smaller 39kWh battery capable of up to 300km of range based on WLTP testing.

As with the Ioniq and Veloster, pricing and specifications for the Kona Electric will be confirmed closer to launch. For reference, however, the 64kWh version is priced from £33,995 ($59,304) before incentives in the UK.